Self-Assessment Questions (SAQs) for Study Session 2

Now that you have completed this study session, you can assess how well you have achieved its Learning Outcomes by answering these questions. Write your answers in your Study Diary and discuss them with your Tutor at the next Study Support Meeting. You can check your answers with the Notes on the Self-Assessment Questions at the end of this Module.

SAQ 2.1 (tests Learning Outcome 2.1)

Give one example of each of the following:

  • a.A routine health screening activity that contributes to antenatal care.
  • b.A routine disease prevention activity that contributes to antenatal care.

Answer

  • a.You may have suggested routine health screening activities such as taking the pregnant woman’s temperature and pulse, measuring her blood pressure, or testing her urine for the presence of sugar. (You will learn how to do all of these activities in later study sessions in this Module.)
  • b.You may have suggested giving pregnant women iron tablets to prevent anaemia, or giving out insecticide-treated bed nets to prevent malaria. There are many other good examples.

SAQ 2.2 (tests Learning Outcome 2.2)

State the main benefits of promoting the utilisation of antenatal care services in your community.

Answer

Promotion of antenatal care benefits the community because it:

  • Creates awareness in the whole community about the health services provided for pregnant women, and during labour, delivery and the postnatal period.
  • Enables pregnant women and their male partners to make informed decisions about utilising the service.
  • Improves the health and well-being of pregnant women and reduces maternal and newborn deaths and complications.

SAQ 2.3 (tests Learning Outcomes 2.3 and 2.4)

Suppose you have a group of pregnant women in your catchment area who want to know about where to go for delivery. What method of health promotion is likely to be the best in this example, and what steps should you take in organising a health education programme for these women?

Answer

Group discussion is the best method in this example. The steps you should take are as follows:

  • Prepare your presentation to meet the needs of the specific audience — in this case, pregnant women.
  • Smile, and try to make eye contact with everybody at the start. Introduce yourself, and ask each woman to say who she is.
  • Start with what the women already know about a safe place to deliver a baby, and build on or add what they do not know; for example, tell them about the danger signs that mean they should have the baby in a health facility.
  • Concentrate on what can be done and achieved in the time available.
  • Encourage the women to express their ideas freely. Encourage those women who usually keep quiet to share their thoughts. Keep everyone involved in two-way communication. Listen carefully to what they say.
  • At the end, summarise the points raised and decisions taken, try to ensure that any remaining questions are answered, and thank everyone for attending.

Summary of Study Session 2